How to Spend a Quiet Weekend Around the Cultural District

While there’s so much going on in downtown Pittsburgh, it’s understandable to want a quiet night or weekend every once in awhile. However, just because you’re not going to a special event doesn’t mean there’s not loads to do around Downtown and the Cultural District. Keep reading for a few of our favorite things to do on a lazy Saturday or Sunday, all within walking distance from The Encore on 7th!

Amazing Books

Whether you’re into James Joyce or J.K. Rowling, this is a must for anyone living in Downtown Pittsburgh. Located on Liberty Ave. between 7th Ave. and Smithfield St., the aptly named Amazing Books is just that! It’s easy to get lost for hours, combing through shelf after shelf of books spanning countless genres. In addition to classics and well known authors, you’ll be sure to discover so obscure, yet captivating titles. Be sure to check out the extensive collection of rare and first editions. You never know what you might find!

But it’s not just books that makes this independently owned shop so amazing. If you’re an audiophile, you’ll love the vast collection of records just waiting for you to flip through them. Found something you’d like to hear? No problem! They’ll let you listen to the record right in the store.

National Aviary

Just a 15 minute walk across the Roberto Clemente bridge to the Northside will land you at one of Pittsburgh’s greatest treasures. The National Aviary is home to some of the most exotic species on the planet, complete with condors, South African penguins, and even an adorable, baby three-toed sloth! While this might not be the quietest option in this entry, it’s certainly the most beautiful. Walk from room to room where birds fly freely. In addition to the natural beauty of the birds and habitats, the National Aviary hosts some pretty cool events including daily feedings, penguin painting, and an Aviary VIP experience which gets you behind-the-scenes access to this amazing zoo.

Gasoline Street Coffee Company

If you love coffee, but hate the crowds at big chains, we’ve got the place for you. New to Downtown Pittsburgh, Gasoline Street Coffee is the perfect place for a relaxing Saturday. Whether hanging out with friends or catching up on a good book, this is a coffee shop you won’t want to miss. Nestled under a bridge along 1st Ave, close to the T station and a short walk from The Encore on 7th, Gasoline Street’s blend of modern and industrial decor will transport you to Pittsburgh’s manufacturing hay day--without any of the smog!

The coffee’s amazing, too! Gasoline Street roasts and brews all of its own beverages, using locally sourced materials. They’re famous for their Catalytic Cold Brew which comes in stylish, retro bottle you’ll want to display long after your visit. Better yet, bring your own container to save a few bucks.

Just because you want to take it easy this weekend doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice a fun day off. Visiting these great spots in and around the Cultural District will help you get the most out of living at The Encore on 7th while still recharging your batteries for the busy week ahead.

Do you have a favorite Downtown spot for relaxing? Let us know about it in the comments!

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This Weekend in Pittsburgh

Image from Pixabay

Pittsburgh is always busy during the weekends. This is why we love living downtown at The Encore on 7th. This weekend is no exception. We have the Steelers, Oktoberfest events and more all making this weekend a busy one for the city. What is on your itinerary the next few days? Keep reading to see what is going on around your home for this second weekend in September.

Friday

Channel your inner child at the Carnegie Science Center 21+ Night. The theme this month is “Back to School”. Grab a backpack and take your first day photos because this night will be a flashback to kindergarten. Once you get your back-to-school photo taken, you can head to the computers to play Oregon Trail and other classic computer games! Then, the Science Lab is home to your favorite elementary school experiments complete with  baking soda volcanoes and more. There is also a cash bar and music performances throughout the night. The 21+ night starts at 6pm and ends at 10pm.

Saturday

Travel back even further in time at the Pittsburgh Renaissance Fair. This one is about a 40 minute drive from The Encore on 7th, but it is worth every minute. You can enjoy jousting, medieval fighting and hilarious shows with the price of admission. Get there early at 10am so you do not miss one of the shows that perform at various times throughout the day. We recommend the German Brothers and the Washing Ladies. There is also great food and beer for you to enjoy throughout your day. Insider's Tip: Make sure to bring cash to tip the performers after each show.

Sunday

Sunday means one thing in Pittsburgh: football! The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals at the first home game of the season. The game starts at 1pm with game festivities starting before. Will you be walking over to the North Shore to pre-game before the Steelers take on one of their biggest rivals?  This rivalry goes back to the days of Chuck Noll. Coach Noll would hate going to the Bengals stadium because they would always mess up the Steelers introductions. However, this is just one small aspect of the rivalry that has only intensified over the years.

These events are going to keep you busy this weekend. Whether you are cheering “Here We Go” or “Hear ye hear ye”, we hope you have a great weekend in the golden triangle.

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Summer Is Not Over Yet In Pittsburgh

Summer is not over yet in Pittsburgh! School may have started, but that does not mean you have to stop enjoying the gorgeous weather. Pittsburgh has great events scheduled throughout September. From the Northside to the Cultural District, you can find something for everyone’s tastes by looking at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Calendar. We have featured some great September events that we are marking on our calendars this month. Keep reading and find out what you can add to your itinerary this September.

Image From Pixabay

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still in a fight for the last wildcard spot this month. They will feature a great series over the next two days against the Cincinnati Reds. This division matchup could help us move ahead in the wildcard standings. You can also check out the Pittsburgh Pirates website for a complete list of games and giveaways for the month of September.

On Wednesday, September 14th, there will be a Downtown Rooftop Shindig at the Theatre Square garage. This monthly event is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. This will be the last shindig of the season and will feature the movie Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. This event is also a short walk from your home at The Encore on 7th.

If you want an event that will get you up and moving, make sure to register for the Pittsburgh Great Race. This annual race will be held on Sunday, September 25th this year. This event includes a 10k, 5k, fitness walk and the Junior Great Race. The Great Race is also a “green event”. Compostable cups at the water stops and an online virtual race bag are all examples of how the Great Race is committed to staying green.

Finally, if you want to explore the cultural district, make sure to get your tickets to Kinky Boots. This Tony-Award winning Broadway musical is coming to the Benedum Center on September 20th-25th. The original cast also has a Pittsburgh connection. Pittsburgh-native Billy Porter won a Tony for playing the lead role of Lola. You can purchase tickets or find out more about the show at the Cultural Trust website.

What other events do you know about in the Pittsburgh area this month? You can share your favorites by posting on our Facebook Page. We hope you have a great last few weeks of summer!

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Ribfest 2016 is back on the North Shore this weekend.

Image From Pixabay

As we’re sure you know, Pittsburgh has many great events throughout the year. But this weekend features events you surely don’t want to miss. It is finally “kickoff” weekend at Heinz Field, which means food, music and sports for four days straight. In addition to that, you can check out Ribfest, an annual tradition in the city that brings “Pittsburghers” from all over the area to try some of the best ribs in the country. This weekend is even the kickoff for the Pitt Panthers’ season at Heinz Field. Come celebrate your Labor Day weekend on the North Shore with these great traditions.

One of the biggest perks of living at The Encore on 7th is your proximity to the North Shore events. You do not need to worry about finding an Uber or taking the T when you can simply walk across the Clemente Bridge. And this will be wonderful for all the late night concerts that occur during Ribfest. The Clarks will perform on Friday, September 2nd and Chris Jamison will perform on Saturday, September 3rd, both beginning at 9pm. Make sure to check out the schedule to see all of the great performers scheduled to hit the stage this weekend.

Now that you know which performers you want to see, it is time to decide which ribs you will try. Ribfest in Pittsburgh is known to have a selection of award winning ribs from around the country. Carolina Rib King and Pigfoot are just two of the top notch vendors with must-try ribs. Once you taste these ribs, you will be coming back for more, year after year.

If all of these events are not enough, you also have the opportunity to cheer on your Pittsburgh Panthers at their home opener. The Panthers will play against Villanova on Saturday at 1:30pm. This gives you the perfect opportunity to visit the North Side all day and enjoy many of these exciting events.

The Encore on 7th is lucky enough to have the North Shore in our backyard. Take a walk across the bridge this weekend and enjoy Ribfest 2016 before it ends on Sunday! We hope you have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

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